Jim Hoecker (PhD. University of Kentucky, J.D. University of Wisconsin) has practiced energy law in Washington D.C. for 35 years, both in government and private law practice. Prior to rejoining private practice, he was appointed by President Clinton to
to Chair the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, a position he held from 1997-2001 and, before that as Commissioner for four years and an Assistant General Counsel in the 1980s. Jim is Senior Counsel at Husch Blackwell LLP in Washington, D.C., and Founder and Principal of Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC (HELP). Jim serves on the board of directors at Graywolf Press, a non-profit publisher of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

HELP PLLC, a Washington D.C. law and public policy firm, assists energy providers, customers, and public-policy makers in electric power, natural gas transportation, and related regulatory, environmental, and climate change policy matters. HELP provides advice and support in these areas:

Regulatory and legislative affairs representation

Regulatory risk assessment

Strategic planning advice

Administrative litigation and compliance

Administrative rulemaking and policy formation

Expert testimony

NEPA and environmental analysis

HELP PLLC is strategically allied with Husch Blackwell LLP and their 13 offices across the United States. HB lawyers practice in energy regulation and public utilities, renewable energy, and hydrocarbon exploration and production. HELP's principal client is WIRES, an international non-profit trade group that promotes investment in high voltage electric transmission infrastructure and the technologies, resources, and markets it supports.